Philly principal to address attacks on Asians 12/11/09

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The principal at a Philadelphia high school is set to discuss a new safety plan after a series of attacks on the school’s Asian students last week.

South Philadelphia High School Principal LaGreta Brown will discuss the plan at a news conference Friday. The changes are prompted by assaults at the school that injured about 30 Asian students last week.

Dozens of Asian students are boycotting classes this week over the attacks. They say the assaults are racially motivated.

Superintendent Arlene Ackerman says the district will hire an investigator to look into the issue.

Students and community leaders say school staff turned a blind eye to the assaults and also disparage Asians.

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